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The effect of single and multiple infections on atopy and wheezing in children.
- Source :
- Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology; Feb2012, Vol. 129 Issue 2, p359-367.e3, 0p
- Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Background: The current epidemic of asthma and atopy has been explained by alterations in immune responses related to reduction in childhood infections. However, the findings of epidemiologic studies investigating the association between infection with atopy and asthma have been inconsistent. Objective: We sought to investigate the effect of single or multiple infections (pathogen burden) on atopy and wheeze in urban children from Latin America. Methods: Specific IgE against aeroallergens (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity for the most common local allergens were measured in 1128 children aged 4 to 11 years. Data on wheezing and potential confounders were collected by questionnaire. Infections by 8 pathogens were assessed by using serology and stool examination. Associations of wheeze and atopic outcomes with single and multiple infections were analyzed by means of logistic regression. Results: Negative results for Toxoplasma gondii were associated with a higher prevalence of sIgE (≥0.70 kU/L), whereas negative results for Ascaris lumbricoides, T gondii, herpes simplex virus, and EBV were associated with a higher prevalence of SPT reactivity. Children with 3 or fewer infection markers had a higher prevalence of sIgE and SPT reactivity compared with those with 4 or more infection markers. However, isolated infections or pathogen burden were not associated with the prevalence of atopic or nonatopic wheeze. Conclusion: The findings provide support for the idea that the hygiene hypothesis is operating in an urban Latin American context, but its expression is thus far restricted to the atopic status of patients and not the perceived asthma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- IMMUNOGLOBULIN E
ALLERGENS
WHEEZE
ATOPY
SKIN tests
ASTHMA in children
CITY children
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00916749
- Volume :
- 129
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 71370200
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2011.09.015